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Plot: What’s it about?
I will admit that I have always had a soft spot for Reindeer Games. From seeing it theatrically way back in 2000, to countless other times on home video, it just has always been a film that I found quite entertaining. Now, that isn’t to say that one can’t pick apart the plot holes and endless twists, but there’s just something about it that moves along nicely. That is even in the superior Director’s Cut which is included here (with the theatrical Cut) that adds some 19 minutes of additional footage. Oh, and we get to see Charlize Theron in her birthday suit, and that’s never a bad thing.
Ben Affleck stars as Rudy Duncan, an inmate who is days away from being released. His Cellmate, Nick Cassidy (James Frain) is just as excited as well since his release date is fast approaching. Nick speaks often of how he can’t wait to see a girl he’s been writing to from prison when he is released. Her name is Ashley (Charlize Theron) and she is all Nick talks about. Unfortunately, during a prison fight, Nick is killed, so Rudy decides to assume his cellmate’s identity and meet Ashley face to face. Nothing wrong with that, right? Well, trouble soon follows as Ashley’s brother, Gabriel AKA Monster (Gary Sinise) has other plans. He and his crew know that Nick used to work at a casino and knows all the ins and outs. They plan on robbing the casino with Nick as he has all the specifics of the casino. He tells them that he is in fact not Nick, but Monster and his crew don’t believe him. Ashley pleads with Nick to just give Monster what they want and they will be free.
One may or may not have guessed it, but Reindeer Games comes with its share of twists and turns. How successful or obvious they are will be on each individual viewer. Some of them did get me on the first viewing, though I could see where they would go after they were revealed. John Frankenheimer made some great films during his career, so if this one seemed below him, he still handles the material very well. Now having seen the film again for this review, I still have a soft spot for it. Sure, one could nitpick the plot all day, but I am not that kind of viewer. Sometimes you just must go with it and let the film do its job. The cast is all top notch, including Dennis Farina and Clarence Willliams III in supporting roles. On a side note, I always remember one of the coolest shots in the trailers for this film. We see the Affleck character running and jumps across a cliff, narrowly making it to the other side. Sadly, that shot is nowhere to be found in either cut of the film. There are more scenes in the trailer as well that now seem to be missing forever. That is just something I wanted to point out.
Video: How’s it look?
The good news here is that both versions look amazing. The not-so-great news is that only the theatrical cut gets the 4K treatment while the Director’s cut is limited to the Blu-Ray disc. Now, they both are very strong transfers, but why the DC couldn’t get a 4K transfer is beyond me. Kino has been proving themselves with some very solid work lately, and the 4K really shines. I have never seen the film look so good. Details and colors are all nicely represented here. Again, it’s a shame that both cuts aren’t 4K, but either way you choose, you shouldn’t be disappointed.
Audio: How’s it sound?
We’re treated to 5.1 and 2.0 mixes. I opted for the former and have zero issues to report. The vocals were fine and there are countless action and chase sequences that liven things up too. The climax at the casino adds a lot to the film in terms of range and involvement from the track and that proves satisfying.
Supplements: What are the extras?
- Audio Commentary – Director John Frankenheimer provides his thoughts on the film. Do note that there is a commentary for the theatrical cut and the Director’s cut and both are well worth listening to. No stone is left unturned. He does some back patting here and there but provides plenty of great tidbits. I always found it interesting to hear him speak of much longer and superior versions of scenes that don’t appear in either cut.
- Behind the Scenes – A vintage 6 minute behind the scenes that’s worth checking out…once.
- Theatrical Trailer
The Bottom Line
The critic in me could pick this film apart, but the casual viewer gladly sat back and watched and enjoyed this film. I do prefer the directors cut even though I feel both versions are fine. The film moves along swiftly and kept me with it. The cast is strong and there’s plenty of action and intrigue along the way. I was hoping that one day we would finally get even more cut footage, but that wasn’t meant to be, sadly. It’s a shame that both cuts of the film didn’t get a 4K disc, but the technical aspects of both are more than fine. By now, most people reading this will know if they want to own it or not. It earns my recommendation for the established fans.
